Obituary: Jean Ducey

Jan. 17, 1915 - July 9, 2008

Jan. 17, 1915 - July 9, 2008

July 11, 2008

NILES - Jean Sparks Ducey, 93, died on July 9, 2008, at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence, Kansas. Ms. Ducey was born January 17, 1915, on the family's original homestead in Berrien County, Michigan, the daughter of Levi Jay Sparks and Verna May Young. For most of her life she remained in Niles, Michigan, working as a librarian at the Niles, South Bend, Cass, and Berrien County libraries before moving to the Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, John Edward Ducey of Niles Michigan on October 7, 1973; and by her sister, Edith L. McCoy of Lawrence in 2007. As a writer, Ms. Ducey's poetry, essays, stories and articles were widely published. Two of her historical novels for young readers won publishing awards. She is survived by two sons, John Michael Ducey and spouse, Constance, of Lawrence, Kansas, Jay Patrick Ducey and spouse, Mary Gay, of Berkeley California; four grandchildren, Michelle Growcock, Brie Ducey, Mark J. Ducey and Seth Ducey; a niece, Cathy McCoy; and five great-grandchildren, Nathaniel John Growcock, Benjamin George Growcock, Harper Rae Gibbons, Tucker Zane Gibbons, and Carter Jay Ducey At her request, there will be no services. Ms. Ducey has donated her body to the University of Kansas Medical Center. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Hospice, to The Good Samaritan Fund at the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, or, to the public library of the donor's choice. Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS, is handling arrangements.